Knee Problems

[LisaTheresa]

I am hoping someone here can give me some encouragement or direction as to what kind of a doctor I need to see.

I have been having trouble with my knees since sometime around last October. At that time, I had to take an antibiotic for an infection and when I started the antibiotic, my joints became stiff. Since I had just started exercising and really feeling like I was getting in shape for the first time in years, I didn't want to stop even though I was having trouble with stiffness. As a result, I injured both of my ankles and both of my knees to the point that I was unable to walk for 2 weeks. Stupid, I know.

Since then, I have gone through periods where I feel that I have completely healed, only to have the problem return again. It seems any time I exercise, it triggers the problem. When I wake up in the morning, my knees feel fine. By the end of the day, I am not in pain or anything, but they don't feel right. I can exercise (I've been going to Curves), but only every other day and when I come back from my workout, I feel like my knees are swelling. If I try to exercise more than one day in a row, then I start to have real problems again. This is the case even with low impact exercise, such as walking on the treadmill or stationary bike.

This is a minor problem compared to what many others suffer, but it's really upsetting to me because it's restricting my activities. I feel so much better when I'm exercising and I don't feel like I can.

Has anybody ever gone through a problem like this for so long and then made a full recovery? What kind of a doctor do I need to see for this?

Thanks so much!
Lisa

[Sue G in PA]

He's had xrays, ultrasounds, blood tests, etc. which all showed nothing conclusive. I'm sorry you are going through this. Just from watching my poor dh, I sympathize with you. He has good days when his knees feel normal and bad days when he can hardly walk on them. He did have bursitis in one knee, had it drained, only to have them feel worse than ever! My advice is not to over-do the exercise. Yes, USE your knees in NORMAL situations. Don't over-use them. Take a good fish-oil supplement like Cod Liver Oil capsules (if you can't stand the actual liquid) to lubricate those joints. Eat food high in Omega 3's like salmon and omega 3 eggs. ICE your knees for 10-15 minutes each evening or whenever they feel stiff. Don't use heat as it will only exacerbate swelling. Go to your dr. and have the xrays and ultrasounds just to check and see what you can see. I'd can the exercise at Curves for a while and just use your knees normally in everyday situations like walking. If you really want to exercise...use a rebounder b/c it's soo much less impact on the knees. HTH a bit. Remember, I'm not a dr. nor do I play one on the WTM board :)

[Claire]

What I'm thinking is that perhaps the antibiotic killed off some protective bacteria in your gut and, as a result, you are getting inflammation in the joints from reactions to food. One thing I would highly recommend is to get a good probiotic (these are in the refrigerated sections of grocery and supplement stores) and take that.

I would also recommend adding a good glucosamine/chondroitin supplement. This helps support the fluid in the cushioning sacs. (You *really* do not want to damage the cartilage in your knees, as this is what osteoarthritis is all about. I developed progressive osteoarthritis of the knees until I started taking the glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, which seems to have halted the damage.)

I would also stop the extra exercise for at least two weeks to give your joints a rest and to give the supplements time to have an effect. Also, ice several times a day for up to 15 minutes at a time as the other poster suggested. Icing reduces inflammation, and it is probably inflammation that is making your joints feel "funny" and get stiff. (Heat exacerbates inflammation, so don't use heat.)

Also, keep an eye on what you eat and see if you can spot any possible food intolerances. A friend of mine was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis and could hardly move. The medications they wanted her to take had such awful side effects, she decided to consult a homeopath first. The homeopath started by putting her on an elimination diet. Within 3 days, my friend was better and she was been able to control the RA ever since by watching her diet. One of her triggers is caffeine, and she sees symptoms return if she drinks even half-a-cup of decaf. (Not everyone is sensitive to caffeine or as sensitive as she is! My point is that food intolerances can cause the types of symptoms you are experiencing. It's worth becoming aware of that, especially since you noticed the problem after taking an antibiotic.)

HTH!

[Jean in Newcastle]

I might add that a visit to a chiropractor might be a good idea too. If your spine/alignment is out of line it puts a lot of strain on your knees.

[LisaTheresa]

Sue - I'm definitely going to take your advice on both quitting the exercise for a few weeks and icing my knees throughout the day. Thank you!

Claire - Thank you so much for your response. I have really suspected exactly what you have suggested. I know the original problem started with the antibiotic and when I had to be on an antibiotic again a few weeks ago all my symptoms went away. I was able to fully exert myself while on the antibiotic and had absolutely no problems with my knees.

I am definitely going to try a probiotic and then try an elimination diet if necessary. I'm very familiar with dietary issues because my son has many allergies. I've also got a glucosamine supplement, and I'll start taking that tonight. You've given me some hope!

Jean - I will keep this in mind. Thank you!

Teacher Mom - This sounds exactly like me. Oh, how I HATE to go to the doctor! I know I'm going to probably have to break down and do it though. I will have to see if I can find a sports medicine one in my area. Thanks!

[Susan in Mo]

I have changed to a vegan diet and have seen great results. My hips were so sore that I couldn't even sleep through the night. I went on the McDougall diet but an elimination diet would probably be just as helpful.

I know that some medications promote leaky gut syndrome which in turn promotes arthritis so you might want to eliminate pain relievers to see if that helps also.

Blessings,